Boss looks at his company’s HRD Corp Levy Balance.
The more he looks, the more heart pain he feels.
“Every month must pay Levy. Balance getting bigger and bigger. But cannot take the money out!”

HR asks.
“Boss, why not send our Staff for Training?”

Boss shakes his head.
“Last time I sent two Staff for Training. Not long after they finished, both Resigned!”
“I pay for their Training, Competitor enjoy for FREE?” 😭

HR whispers.
“Boss, actually HRD Levy is not only for sending Staff to Training.”

Boss’s eyes suddenly light up.
“What do you mean? Can use it to buy computers?”
“Can! But the computers must be used for Staff Training.”

Boss gets even more excited.
“Wah! Then I can replace those 10 old Laptops in the Office?”
“Boss, HRD Levy is not for you to Upgrade the whole Office Lah!” 😂

Actually, HRD Corp has two Schemes that many SME bosses may not know about.

First, IT Scheme. 💻
You can apply to buy Desktop Computers or Laptops for training your Staff in IT Skills.
Maximum Financial Assistance, RM25,000.
But got conditions.
For every 5 employees, maximum 1 computer.

For example, if your company has 25 employees, generally you can apply for up to 5 computers.
And you can only apply once every 3 years.
HQ and Branch can apply separately, subject to their respective conditions.

SMEs are a bit luckier.
Even without a proper Computer Lab, you may still qualify.
But the computers must genuinely be used for Training.
Not for Staff to do their daily Office Work.

Second, ALAT Scheme. 🏢
This one is even more interesting!

If your company wants to Set Up or Renovate a Training Room,
you may also apply for HRD Corp Assistance.

For example, eligible Training Equipment, Projector Wiring, Aircond, Carpet, Blinds, Electrical Wiring, Network Installation and so on.

The application limit is 50% of your Levy Balance as at 1 January of that year.
Boss becomes very happy.
“Wah! So HRD Levy can also pay for Office Renovation!”

HR quickly corrects him.
“Boss, it’s the Training Room. Not your Director Room!” 😂

But there is one very important TRAP!

Many bosses may kena.
Buy the computers first.
Then only ask HR to submit the Claim.

SORRY BOSS!

HRD Corp’s rule is, apply first, get the Grant Approval,
then only you can buy!
Anything purchased before Approval,
CANNOT CLAIM.

And after Approval, generally you must complete the purchase within 6 months,
then submit your Claim according to the requirements.
Having Levy Balance doesn’t mean you can simply buy whatever you like.

Many SMEs don’t have a problem with lack of resources.
The problem is, they don’t realise they have already paid for something but are not making full use of it.